Top 7 Most Popular UAE Visas for Visit, Work & Investment

The UAE stands as a leading gulf country for business and tourism, welcoming millions of visitors each year. To accommodate the diverse needs of travelers, workers, and investors, the country offers a variety of visa options. This article provides comprehensive guide of the Most Popular UAE Visas in order to ease your selection process. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, seeking employment, or planning to settle long-term, there’s a visa designed to suit your specific requirements. We provide a detailed overview of the different types of UAE visas, their eligibility criteria, and the most in-demand options.

Here are the Most Popular UAE Visas for all those looking to enter UAE for tourism, work or Investment purpose.

1: UAE Visit Visa:

UAE visit visas are commonly used by individuals who wish to stay in the UAE for personal reasons, such as visiting family members or friends. Unlike standard tourist visas, these can offer extended stays and may require sponsorship.

• Friends and Family Visit Visa – This visa is among the Most Popular UAE Visas and is intended for individuals who have close relatives or friends residing in the UAE. It allows them to visit for a duration of 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the type issued. Typically, a UAE resident family member acts as a sponsor, ensuring the visitor meets entry requirements. The application process generally involves submitting proof of relationship, financial capability, and a return ticket. To invite your family and friends, you can now apply visit visa online.

• UAE Tourist Visa – Tourist Visa is also one of the Most Popular UAE Visas,  it allows visitors to explore the country for leisure, sightseeing, or short-term stays. Available for durations of 30, 60, or 90 days, this visa can be either single or multiple entry. Unlike visit visas, tourist visas do not require a local sponsor, as they are typically issued through airlines, hotels, or travel agencies. Many travelers opt for this visa due to its straightforward application process and flexibility.

• Business Opportunities Visa: The ICP UAE has invited investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and business financiers to take advantage of the UAE  business visit visa. This visit visa for exploring business opportunities grants the holder permission to travel the UAE either on a single visit or multiple visits for 60, 90 or 120 days ensuring that the total stay does not exceed 180 days.

The Authority emphasized that four conditions must be met to apply for the visa service.

1. The applicant must be a qualified professional in the field they wish to explore in the UAE.
2. They must hold a valid passport for more than six months.
3. Have health insurance coverage within the UAE.
4. They must possess a confirmed for onward travel or to depart from the UAE.

Before applying, it is advisable to check the most recent UAE immigration guidelines to ensure compliance with current regulations.

2: UAE Job Seeker Visa:

Want to start a career in UAE? Job seeker visa is for you. The UAE offers wide range of visa options for distinguished individuals from around the world who are seeking employment opportunities in the UAE. These visas enable holders to enter the United Arab Emirates and search for job/work that aligns with their skills and expertise.

Earlier people who wish to find a job in UAE were coming to the country on normal visit or tourist visas but now those visas are only for family visit and tourism purposes. Those wish to look for a job in Dubai, UAE must apply for Job Seeker Visa. Foreigners are granted a Job Seeker visit visa with validity of 60, 90 or 120 days to search for a work without requiring a host or sponsor in the UAE.

Eligibility for Job Seeker Visa:

To get a visit visa for the purpose of exploring job opportunities in the UAE, the applicant must fulfil below conditions:

1. He/she must be either in the first, second or third skill level as per the MOHRE professional levels of jobs,  or a graduate from the best 500 universities in the world according to the classification approved by the Ministry of Education and must have graduated within the last 2 years.
2. He/she must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
3. He/she must fulfil the prescribed financial guarantee.

1. Passport Copy
2. Photo with white background
3. Attested Qualification Certificate

How to Apply for Job Seeker Visa?

To apply for Dubai Job Seeker visa, visit ICP UAE website, under ICP Smart Services, look for Public Services > Explore Job opportunities and click on your desire job seeker visa type.

3: UAE Residence Visa:

For foreign nationals seeking professional opportunities in the UAE, a residence visa is a necessity. Securing one involves multiple steps, including obtaining a job offer and meeting legal requirements.

There are 9 types of Residence visas in the UAE.

1. Golden Visa
2. Green Visa
3. Blue Visa
4. Residence visa for working in the UAE (Employment Visa)
5. Residence visa for working outside the UAE
6. Residence visa for the Retired
7. Residence visa for doing the business in the UAE
8. Residence visa for studying in the UAE
9. Residence visa for Family Members

• Employment Visa (2-Year Residency) – Employment visa is the standard work visa issued to foreign employees who have secured job placements in UAE-based companies. For people from South-Asia this is one of the Most Popular work visa. For this process, the hiring employer (company) acts as the primary sponsor, managing the visa application process and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Required documentation often includes Offer Letter, Labour and Employment contract, Medical test, and Emirates ID registration.

• UAE Golden Visa (10-Year Residency) – The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit granted to top-tier professionals, content creators, business investors, exceptional students, and individuals with outstanding contributions in fields such as medicine, science, technology, and arts. This visa eliminates the need for a local sponsor and offers an extended stay of up to a decade, making it one of the most prestigious visa options in the UAE. The Dubai golden visa is certainly on top of the Most Popular UAE Visas and is generally preferred  by the above-mentioned groups. For step by step guide on How to Apply for UAE Golden visa, read this article.

• UAE Green Visa (5-Year Residency) – Unlike the traditional work visa, the Green Visa UAE provides more autonomy to skilled workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs by allowing them to self-sponsor. This visa is ideal for professionals who do not wish to be tied to a specific employer. Being among one of the Most Popular UAE Visas, it also enables visa holders to sponsor their family members, offering greater flexibility and stability.

• UAE Blue Visa (10-Year Residency) In addition to the Green and Golden Visas, the UAE has recently introduced the The New Blue Visa, a 10-year residency permit aimed at individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. This initiative seeks to recognize and support environmental advocates, including members of international organizations, NGOs, corporate leaders, award-winning researchers, and distinguished activists in environmental work. For detailed information and application procedures on UAE Blue Visa, visit Blue Visa Page on our website.

Foreign workers should ensure they meet eligibility criteria and complete the necessary approvals through the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

4: Investor & Business Visa:

The UAE actively encourages business development and foreign investments, offering special visa programs for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to establish a foothold in the region. These visas are among the Most Popular UAE Visas for entrepreneurs and business inclined people:

• Investor Visa (2-Years Residency) – This visa is designed for individuals who make significant investments in the UAE economy, either through real estate purchases or business ownership. Eligibility often requires meeting minimum investment thresholds, proving financial stability, and ensuring compliance with local business regulations. Starting a company in UAE after trade license registration owns you an investor visa also known as owner visa.

• Business Visa – As part of the UAE Golden Visa initiative, the Business Visa is issued to accomplished entrepreneurs and startup owners. It provides long-term residency to business professionals who meet the UAE government’s qualifying criteria, making it an excellent option for those looking to build and expand their enterprises in the country.

Investment Conditions for Golden Visa:

• A Deposit owner of no less than (2,000,000) AED with an investment fund licensed in the UAE.
• Or a Company owner with a minimum capital of (2,000,000) AED.
• Or a Share owner in a company worth no less than (2,000,000) AED.
• Or a Company owner or a partner that pays taxes of no less than (250,000) AED annually.

Entrepreneurs and Businesses interested in applying for an investor or business visa should seek updated information from UAE government portals to verify current investment requirements.

5: Student Visa:

Students enrolling in accredited universities in the UAE must obtain a student visa, which is usually facilitated by their institution. The standard student visa is issued to those admitted to UAE-based universities and remains valid for the duration of their academic program. Applicants need to submit an official admission letter, proof of financial means, and undergo medical testing. A 5-year student visa is available for high-achieving students who meet specific academic criteria set by UAE authorities. Since requirements may vary, students should verify the application process through their university or official UAE immigration channels.

Key Details

• Duration & Renewal: Initially issued for one year, the student visa can be renewed annually upon providing proof of continued enrollment from the educational institution.
• Parental Sponsorship: Expatriate residents can sponsor  studies up to the age of 25. If the student is older than 25, they may still remain under parental sponsorship if they provide proof of enrollment in a higher education program lasting at least one year.
• University Sponsorship: If a student does not have a UAE-based parent or guardian, the university they are attending can act as their sponsor, streamlining the visa application process.

Key Requirements

• A formal admission certificate from the university, specifying the duration of the study program.
• Additional general documents required under the UAE’s residence visa provisions.

For a complete guide on student visa eligibility, application processes, and official requirements, visit the UAE Government Portal.

6: Retirement Visa:

The UAE provides long-term residency solutions for retirees who wish to settle in the country.

• 5-Year Retirement Visa – Available for individuals aged 55 and above, this visa is granted to retirees who can prove financial stability. Common eligibility criteria include property ownership, a steady pension, or a minimum bank savings requirement. This visa allows retirees to enjoy the UAE’s world-class infrastructure, healthcare, and lifestyle benefits.

Applicants should review the latest financial requirements and prepare the necessary documentation before applying.

7: Family Residence Visa

The Family Residence Visa enables expatriates working and residing in the UAE to bring their immediate family members to live with them for an extended period. This visa is particularly popular among professionals and entrepreneurs who seek to provide their families with access to the UAE’s exceptional quality of life, including world-class healthcare, education, and modern infrastructure.

Eligible Family Members

• Spouse: A UAE resident can apply to sponsor their legally wedded spouse, provided the marriage certificate is duly attested by the relevant authorities.
• Children: Fathers can sponsor their children if they meet the required salary threshold, while mothers may also be eligible under specific conditions.
• Parents: Expats who meet the financial requirements can sponsor their parents, provided they can demonstrate sufficient accommodation and secure medical insurance coverage.

Sponsorship Requirements

To qualify for family sponsorship, the applicant must:

• Possess a valid UAE residency permit.
• Have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation.
• Provide proof of residence, such as a rental contract and utility bill.
• Submit attested and officially translated documents (e.g., marriage and birth certificates).

This visa offers expatriates the opportunity to establish a stable family life in the UAE while benefiting from the country’s high living standards and excellent social services.

Conclusion